The ghost of smartwatch past is getting a vibrant, pixelated new life. In a move stirring excitement among wearable enthusiasts, Core Devices – founded by key figures from the original Pebble team – has officially regained the rights to the beloved Pebble trademark. To celebrate, they’re immediately renaming their current generation of smartwatches, injecting a heavy dose of nostalgia into the modern market.
Core Devices, launched by Eric Migicovsky (Pebble's original founder) and a team of Pebble veterans, had initially released their comeback devices under the names Core Time 2 (a refined e-paper smartwatch) and Core 2 Duo (a unique, screen-less companion device). While technically impressive and carrying the Pebble DNA of long battery life and hacker-friendly openness, the absence of the iconic Pebble name felt like a missing piece for many fans.
That changes now.
Announced via a blog post by Migicovsky, Core Devices has successfully navigated the trademark landscape and secured the rights to the Pebble name. This isn't just a licensing deal; it's a full-circle moment for the team that pioneered the modern smartwatch before giants like Apple and Samsung entered the fray.
The Rebranding:
- Core Time 2 becomes Pebble Time 2: This directly resurrects the name of one of Pebble's most popular models. The device retains its core (pun intended) features: a crisp, always-on Sharp Memory LCD display, weeks-long battery life (reportedly up to 30 days), robust water resistance, health tracking, notifications, and its open, hackable platform. It embodies the spirit of the original Pebble Time series with modern internals.
- Core 2 Duo becomes Pebble Core: This renames the intriguing secondary device – a screen-less, key-fob sized wearable focused on quick actions, offline music storage (via Spotify or local files), GPS tracking for runs/rides, and programmable buttons. It’s designed to complement the Pebble Time 2 or function as a minimalist standalone device.
Why This Matters:
The Pebble name carries immense weight in the wearable world. For many, it represents:
- Practicality First: Long battery life and always-on displays over flashy, power-hungry touchscreens.
- Openness: A commitment to developer access and user customization.
- Community: A dedicated, passionate user base that never fully dissipated, even after Pebble's assets were sold to Fitbit (later acquired by Google) in 2016.
- Nostalgia: For a time when a small startup could innovate and capture hearts against tech titans.
Core Devices isn't just slapping an old name on new gear. Migicovsky emphasizes this is about reclaiming their legacy and fulfilling the original Pebble vision with the freedom and focus a smaller company allows. The rebranding signals a confident step forward, leveraging the powerful recognition and goodwill associated with Pebble.
"We started Core Devices to build the devices we wanted to use," Migicovsky wrote. "Getting the Pebble name back is more than symbolic – it’s about connecting directly to that legacy of building simple, long-lasting, useful tools that don’t try to own you or your data. Pebble stands for practicality and openness, and that’s exactly what the Pebble Time 2 and Pebble Core are."
What's Next?
The immediate change is the name. Existing Core Time 2 and Core 2 Duo devices will seamlessly transition to the Pebble branding via software updates. New units shipping will bear the Pebble name. Core Devices has also hinted that reclaiming the trademark opens doors for future products that more directly evoke classic Pebble designs, while still pushing innovation.
For the full details, timeline, and Eric Migicovsky's personal take on the journey to reclaim the Pebble name, read the official update here:
Core Devices Reclaims Pebble Trademark, Rebrands Products
The Takeaway:
Pebble is officially back. Not just as a memory, but as a living brand under the stewardship of its original creators. By renaming the Core Time 2 and Core 2 Duo to Pebble Time 2 and Pebble Core, Core Devices is tapping into a deep well of nostalgia while reaffirming their commitment to the principles that made Pebble a cult favorite. For fans who mourned Pebble's demise, this feels like a homecoming. For the smartwatch market, it's a reminder that simplicity, longevity, and user freedom still have a powerful place. Long live Pebble. Again.
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